Yucca brevifolia

Turn any sunny patio or entrance into a desert-design masterpiece with the Joshua Tree. Its dense, spiky crown and rugged trunk deliver instant architectural impact while demanding very little care—just sun, sharp drainage, and occasional deep watering. Perfect for modern landscapes and commercial spaces that need a strong, sculptural focal point that stays impressive year-round.

1. Basic Identification

Common Name: Joshua Tree
Botanical Name: Yucca brevifolia
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Desert tree / Succulent
SKU: PLT-0123
Alternative Names:
Mojave yucca
Spanish bayonet
Yucca palm

2. Taxonomy & Classification

Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Yucca
Species: Yucca brevifolia

3. Origin & Distribution

Native to the Mojave Desert of the southwestern United States, primarily in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Typically found on rocky slopes, sandy flats, and desert scrublands at elevations between 800 and 1,800 meters.

4. Visual Characteristics

Evergreen perennial with a single or multi‐branched, rugged woody trunk topped by a dense crown of stiff, sword-shaped leaves up to 60 cm long. Produces large panicles of creamy white, bell-shaped flowers in spring, followed by dry, capsule-like fruit.

5. Size & Dimensions

Mature height ranges from 5 to 15 meters with trunk diameters of 30 to 50 cm. Leaves are 40–60 cm long and 3–5 cm wide. Flower spikes may reach 1–2 meters in height. Growth rate is slow, often less than 10 cm per year.

6. Light Requirements

Full sun: requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Thrives in intense, unfiltered light and can tolerate the extremes of desert sun exposure without leaf scorch.

7. Watering Needs

Extremely drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During hot, dry periods, water once every 2–4 weeks; reduce watering to a minimum during winter dormancy.

8. Soil & Potting

Prefers well-draining, sandy or rocky soil with low organic content. Use a cactus/succulent potting mix amended with coarse sand or gravel. Ensure containers have adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

9. Temperature & Humidity

Optimal temperatures range from 15 to 35 °C. Tolerates highs above 40 °C and can withstand light frosts down to –10 °C once established. Low humidity environments are ideal; avoid prolonged damp or humid conditions.

10. Fertilization

Low nutrient requirements. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring at half the recommended strength. Avoid high-nitrogen formulations that encourage soft, vulnerable growth.

11. Maintenance & Care Level

Low maintenance. Remove dead leaves and spent flower stalks to maintain a tidy appearance. Prune sparingly to control height or remove damaged wood. Resistant to most pests and diseases when grown under proper conditions.

12. Growth & Propagation

Slow grower. Propagate by seed or division of basal offshoots. Seeds benefit from scarification and a period of stratification for improved germination. Offshoots can be separated in spring and potted in a well-draining mix.

13. Common Problems

Overwatering may lead to root rot. Occasional pests include scale insects and yucca weevils. Frost can cause leaf browning or tip dieback. High humidity may encourage fungal leaf spots.

14. Benefits & Uses

Serves as an architectural focal point in xeriscapes, rock gardens, patios, and entryways. Historically used by Native American tribes for fiber, soap, and food extracted from the pith. Excellent for low-water and modern landscape designs.

15. Toxicity & Safety

Contains saponins that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. Leaf margins are sharp; handle with gloves to avoid cuts. Toxic to pets if consumed.